Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner says he’s open to the idea of two types of engine competing in F1 from 2017.
Bernie Ecclestone wants to introduce a cheaper engine for the struggling midfield teams – potentially a V8 or twin-turbo V6, in either case with KERS – which would race alongside the current hybrid V6s.
Intriguingly, if the idea gains support it could open the door for Renault to make a version of such an engine. Given the ongoing problems with the Renault hybrid V6 that could potentially give Red Bull Racing an alternative future path, and a chance to level the playing field, depending on how the FIA manages parity between the two types of engines.
“It’s an interesting concept,” Horner told this writer. “We ought to have a good look at it and explore the pros and cons, to be honest with you. It’s happened before, and you might get certain engines competitive at different tracks, and it might move things around a bit. It’s certainly worth a good debate.
“It’s certainly interesting. I would think Renault would certainly consider it – it’s more of a question for Renault than it is for me. But I would have thought they would certainly consider it.”
The biggest challenge is how the FIA would ensure that there’s far competition between the two types.
“There are all kinds of permutations that clever engineers can come up with, but first of all let’s have a look at the concept. These days simulation is very accurate, we can simulate what the outcome could be, and then decisions could be made on an informed basis rather than guessing.”
Asked what the odds were on F1 ending up with two engine specs in the future Horner said: “No idea. Ask me in a month…”
Adam Cooper F1 
Yes, I know this is simplistic, but conceptually… Set total fuel capacity limits (100Kg of fuel or less and tighten this over time), set maximum BHP limit (speed/safety), set max weight (per class ?), set a five year budget cap with some kind of financial formula for engine suppliers’ development costs. Perhaps some aero regulations (again, to limit speed for safety reasons). Then just let the manufacturers at it. You want to run a steam engine? Fine. You want to run a turbo diesel flywheel hybrid? Fine. As long as you remain within the fuel limits and don’t spend more than X to develop and run the team – let’s go racing!
Seems to me Horner floated the idea of going back to naturally aspirated V8’s last November, causing Renault and Mercedes to say no way if they had to go back to V8’s they’d leave. So if RBR and STR switched to V8’s in 2017 (where they would get them is a mystery in itself) where would that leave Renault?